Some months my community activism can be overwhelming to the point where I want to scream at the top of my lungs. Other months I feel like I haven’t done enough. This past week has been one of those weeks where I’m constantly asking myself, “When is it too much? When do I push myself too far and could I have prevented it?”

The past two weeks I’ve been asked to be a part of 3 events, 2 speaking engagements, 1 photo shoot and this weekend I’m campaigning. Oh and did I mention next week I start school full time (for the first time ever I’m taking 15 credits), will continue to work part time and then for the weekend I’m flying out of state? If MTV gives my family the reality show there will definitely be plenty of material to shoot, but would America catch me having a breakdown?

When is it too much? I’m already stressing next month, BUT at the same time I couldn’t be more excited about pushing myself and excelling in so many different things. I know I can do whatever I put my mind to, but I still need to remain sane to do it. I want to be remembered for helping others and standing up for everything I believe in; but at the same time, I still want a life and to be able to enjoy every moment I spend with that amazing man I’m blessed to say is with me.

Maybe October should be just about me …

For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you know what the MTV reality show is. Earlier this month, my agency in Austin submitted my family to MTV for a reality show. Just two hours after that submission, I was on a conference call with the casting director in New York. Since then, my family has  made the final cut and is one of just three families to become the next reality show for MTV.

The show is a reality show based on a Hispanic family in the United States. Now I know what you’re thinking. Don’t they do Jersey Shore?! Yes, they do. BUT this isn’t about drama and fist pumping. MTV wants a family that America can fall in love with. One that breaks the stereotype that people have of what a Hispanic family is. That family is definitely mine.

We’ll find out later this week who the President of MTV chooses for the show. Please keep your fingers crossed. I think this show would be a GREAT opportunity to show America how loving, hard working and of course entertaining my family really is.

Click here to view the You Tube account created for MTV to use.

Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to go to Jamaica on vacation. For those of you who know me personally, I don’t take too many vacations. This one was extra special to me, because it was my first time out of the country as an adult.

The experience was one I’ll never forget. Jamaica is a third world country that thrives off of tourism. Sadly, I saw many people struggling who live in a shack and their only means of transportation is to walk. It was a constant reminder that I have much to be thankful for.

After 6 days and 5 nights, I learned some of the native language, started to say “Yeah mon” more than I thought I would, went ziplining 550 feet in the air above the Jamaica forest tree tops, was eaten alive by mosquitoes who apparently love my Hispanic skin, now know every word to EVERY Bob Marley song, made friends with the hotel staff and a couple on their honeymoon, saw the locals jump off a cliff into the water, feared for my life when riding a bus, now have an addiction to Jamaican rum (just kidding, I do love it though), witnessed the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen in my life and fell in love with Jamaica. It was a great experience that I recommend to anyone and I’m happy that I went.

I’m fortunate enough to meet some wonderful people in life.  Annette Rushing, the pageant director for the National United America pageant is one of those people. Last week I spoke to Annette about the possibility of being a celebrity judge for her national pageant in Austin, Texas. After a detailed conversation, being a part of her judges panel was an easy decision to make. I’m pleased to be a judge for the pageant in late October and look forward to meeting all of the amazing ladies competing.

Deadline to compete is September 25th, so if you know anyone interested in competing, please let them know there’s still time! Winners receive an AMAZING prize package and media will be present. (More details to come.)

Click here for the link to the National United America pageant.

Showing my continued support to the Hispanic community is something I enjoy doing and being a part of this wonderful show is an honor. I am thankful to be hosting and hope to see you there! (More details, information and the official flyer coming soon.)

We are very thankful to have a second home donated to us and with that comes a lot more room to help those in need, but also more money needed and time spent trying to be successful raising those funds. I’m confident we’ll have the support we need to make the second home as wonderful as the first. I’ll be sure to update the site with our next fundraisers and events this year, so keep your eye out and thanks for all the continued support!

For those of you who know me personally, or have followed my website since the beginning of my Miss Latina World reign, you know politics is something close to my heart. I am a firm believer in “actions speak louder than words” and want to make a difference in the world by one day running for office.

I was able to attend the Latina Firsts Luncheon not too long ago and honored to meet an idol of mine. Her name is Hope Andrade and she too lives in San Antonio, Texas. Hope is the first Latina to ever hold the position of Secretary of State for the state of Texas. My goal is to become the first Latina Governor of Texas. When she spoke her words were such an inspiration and after the event I was able to meet with her. I told her my aspirations, she told me that my goals made her day and she hoped there will be more of me. And as she touched my shoulder and said, “I’ll leave the door open for you” I knew all I have to do is put my mind to it and I can achieve it.

Politics is something women are less than excited to be a part of. When you think of politics you think of men. Certainly women such as Ann Richards, Condoleeza Rice, Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin are names that you think of when you think of women in politics. But where are the Latinas?  One day I will run for office and whether I win or lose, I hope to inspire at least one young Latina to take a chance and break the mold. Just one and I will feel like I’ve made a difference … okay two, or three, or four would be nice too.

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who came out to support the first Pink Duckies fundraiser. And also thank you to Buddha Rok for offering their location, as well as appetizers and Rita Verreros for being a wonderful host! Considering it was our first event and we are still new, the event was quite a success. We were able to raise over $1300.00 and and every single penny was for a worthwhile cause.

Our next event has yet to be planned, but I want to start planning a location and date as soon as possible. If you have an idea or suggestion that you’d like to share, please let me know! Thank you again for the constant support and belief in what I hope is the beginning of a wonderful organization in the fight against breast cancer!

Mohandas Ghandi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” That is exactly why I co-founded Pink Duckies with my friend Tommy. We want to be that change and make a difference.

On Saturday May 1st, we will have a breast cancer benefit at Buddha Rok from 6 – 9pm. There will be live music, guest appearances, great appetizers and of course a pink drink on special. Any donation of $5 or more will get you our signature pink ducky with the breast cancer ribbon on its chest.

So put on your pink, please help spread the word and come out and join us!

Hope to see you there!

Click here to view the Pink Duckies website.

On March 25th, the Movember Foundation will be having a Meet & Greet in Austin, Texas at 6 Lounge. Movember is a foundation that promotes mens health and are partnered with Live Strong and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. My friend Katie works for Movember and introduced me to this wonderful organization last year. If you’re in Austin, stop by 6 Lounge from 8pm – 10pm to say hi to the staff, learn about the organization and have a drink with us!

Click here for the link to Movember.